Mimicry is common in nature, allowing an animal or insect to sneak in closer to prey or to dupe and deflect predators by taking on a more dangerous species’ characteristics. A fascinating example of the latter can be seen in the robber fly Wyliea mydas, which mimics lethal tarantula hawks.

The word poison may evoke thoughts of murder and mayhem, but for centuries healers and scientists have harnessed the power of natural poisons, toxins, and venoms, as medicine as well. The upcoming special exhibition The Power of Poison, opening this Saturday, offers much more on Poison for Good; this article also features plants and animals that humans have used to create powerful medicines against such ailments as cancer, diabetes, and malaria.